A CHURCH green will benefit from £400,000 to be invested in Chipping Barnet by Boris Johnson.

The London Mayor says he wants to “bring the buzz back” to high Streets across outer London and is giving the cash to Barnet Council to spruce up the open space, at St John the Baptist Church, in Wood Street.

The money was announced yesterday and was welcomed by Barnet politicians.

Other projects in the town set to benefit from the cash include decluttering streets, creating stronger links between Piers Shopping and the High Street and improving paving and signage.

Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, said: “It’s vital that shoppers continue to be drawn to shop on the high street.

“This will boost the local economy, safeguard jobs and help support the survival of shops and businesses for years to come.”

Councillor Brian Coleman, London Assembly member of Barnet and Camden, said: “This investment is excellent news for Chipping Barnet.

“It shows that Boris was as good as his word when he said in 2008 that he was not going to be just a Zone 1 Mayor.”

Chipping Barnet is one of 30 areas of the capital to be given a share of a £10m pot made available by the mayor’s office.

The cash comes from a fund set up by Mr Johnson to support outer London boroughs and there is more on the way.

Mr Johnson said: “This cash injection means councils can start work today to attract more people into their area, boost economic growth and bring the buzz back to their high streets.

“But this is just the beginning. With up to £40m left to spend immense changes are on the horizon for some of London’s town centres, changes that will not only enhance but intensify the character, colour and identity of those places we call home.”

Bids for a share of the second wave of funding close on October 14.